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Institute for Work and Technology

The scientific and practical interest of the Institute of Work and Technology (IAT) at the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences lies in the organization of knowledge and innovation for sustainable prosperity and quality of life. We are a central institution of the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences Gelsenkirchen, Bocholt, Recklinghausen and cooperate with the Ruhr University Bochum, among others, as a joint competence center for innovation. Our expertise is continuously developed in regional, national and international research projects and implemented and passed on in design projects and university teaching.

We research, develop and advise on the pulse of the times: How do we want to work in the future, under what working hours and conditions - and where does work actually take place? How do we shape the future of our neighborhoods, cities and regions as places to live and work? How will structural change continue in companies, organizations, cities and regions? Can we steer innovations - not only technically, but also socially and organizationally for more social cohesion and better participation, for socio-ecological transformation and a high quality in the healthcare system?

As a research institution at the interface between science and practice, the IAT researches current social and economic challenges. It offers approaches for solving them on the basis of the latest scientific knowledge and new findings in research and development. At the same time, practical experience is systematically processed and made available for further basic research.

Our competencies include statistical evaluations, consulting projects, we organize surveys and events within the framework of research projects.

Our research topics

We have been researching and shaping structural change in the economy, society and the region since 1988.


Publications

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Projects

Grafik, die die teilnehmenden Standorte und Themen des Projektes darstellt

Engaging entrepreneurial ecosystems for the youth

The Ecosys4you project is funded by the European Commission under the Horizon programme. The project partnership is committed to improve the flow of innovation resources between entrepreneurial ecosystems of the regions Ruhr in Germany, Varna in Bulgaria, and Maribor in Slovenia. It develops an entrepreneurial education programme by establishing innovative interlinkages between the actors of the entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Teaserbild SDS4HEI ©

Sustainable Development Strategies for Higher Education Institutions

Both the restoration of European prosperity and the securing of a future worth living are inextricably linked to the ability of present societies to implement sustainable development strategies. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set up by the United Nations serve as an internationally shared blueprint. Although higher education institutions (HEIs) exert great influence on societal and regional development, their role in enabling a sustainable future has yet to be developed systematically. By implementing Sustainable Development strategically through their major functions of education, research, and outreach as well as through their third mission, higher education institutions can make a decisive contribution to a sustainable future.

Teaserbild Change © Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

Strengthening Societal Innovative Capacity

The project »GIs – Strengthening Societal Innovation Capacities« analyses societal innovation capacities in less developed regions. It aims at developing explanations and models to understand the generation of innovations that promote a successful regional transformation. Furthermore, the project develops instruments and measurement approaches for an innovation policy that integrates and promotes societal innovation capacities.

Teaserbild Migration © Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

On Equal Grounds? Migrant Women’s Participation in Labour and Labour Related Activities

EQUALPART focuses on the inclusion of migrant women in working life and employment beyond the period of the first years after their arrival (post-intro), and on the different and multi-scalar contexts that shape their labour market outcomes. ...

Teaserbild zeigt einen älteren Herrn, der sehr zufrieden seinen Pad einem etwas jüngeren Mann zeigt

TRAINING PROGRAM FOR ENHANCING THE ADOPTION OF MOBILE HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES BY PERSONS WITH MILD DEMENTIA

The European project mHEALTH-AD aims to promote the use of mobile health technologies (mHealth technologies) for people in the first stages of Dementia (stages 2 to 4 of the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS)). mHealth technologies include applications that can be connected to medical devices or sensors (e.g. wristbands or watches), ...

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